Poetry I & Poetry II explained some of the most widely-used poetic forms. The forms below however, are those I think are the easiest and the most fun for beginning poets. Read the directions, the samples, then try your skill at being a poet!
Cinquain: A cinquain is a five line poem. Cinquains don't need to rhyme, but the lines should be closely related. Since there is no rhyming, this can be a very simple form for beginners.
First line: the title--usually a noun--one word.
Second line: two adjectives (if a noun is the title) or adverbs (is a verb is the title)
Third line: three participles (ing form) showing action
Fourth line: A four-word line showing some thought or feeling about the title.
Fifth line: A synonym (word that has the same meaning or is closely related to the title word)
Example with a noun title or topic:
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Cats Curious, independent Napping, prowling, washing Full of self-confidence. Felines |
Example with a verb title or topic:
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Whispered Quietly, urgently Telling, wondering, sharing Secrets with a friend Murmured |
Now you try. . .
Diamante: This form is very close to a cinquain, but is a bit longer.
First line: A noun (title)
Second line: Two adjectives
Third line: Three participles (ing form)
Fourth line: Four nouns related to the title word
Fifth line: Three more participles (ing form)
Sixth line: Two adjectives
Seventh line: One noun similar in meaning or feeling as the title
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Fruit Round, juicy Ripening, blushing, beckoning Snack, dessert, treat, sphere Delighting, satisfying, warming Sweet firm Peach |
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Love Powerful, wonderful Exciting, delighting, mystifying Hugs, kisses, fights, anger Destroying, damaging, hurting Bitter, vengeful Hate |
Your turn. . . .
Who, What, When, Where, Why?: Each line answers one of the questions (who? what? when? where? why?).
A pastry chef
Creates chocolate dreams
Every day
In a gleaming kitchen
For our delight.
Pick a topic, and start writing!
Acrostic: In acrostics (also a form of puzzle), the first letters of each line are aligned vertically to form a word. This word can be the subject of the poem or a related word.
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Caring and sharing Always some laughter Rich with her friendships Open-hearted to all Loving her craft In touch with her feelings Never critical or malicious Dares to be honest Angel of Paltalk Corrects us when needed Occasionally silly Opinions? She has them Learning is fun |
Haiku: Haikus are a Japanese poem form. There are other forms similar to the haiku also. A haiku has seventeen (17) syllables in three lines. Traditionally, the haiku had a nature theme, but you can use anything you wish.
First line: Five syllables
Second line: Seven syllables
Third line: Five syllables
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Dragon's breath, icy, Fierce and swift from the mountains December snow falls. |
Concrete or Shaped: Concrete or shaped poetry can be a lot of fun to write and to read. It is a poem in which the shape is a part of the image that the poem projects. Working with a computer can make it even more interesting because of the graphics you can insert into the poem. Fancy typefaces, cartoons, movement, whatever you can use--do it!
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A pine tree can be simple and green and inviting and stand straight and tall and shelter the birds. The branches are strong, the branches are graceful. When covered with snow, they are magic in wood. And decked for the season in glitter & baubles, pines give us a reason to celebrate life.
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